too late for a Christmas present?

[toomuchtooyoung]

dd just announced she would like some fish to replace our beloved cat who died earlier this year. but I've just been reading about recommended 60l tank size and a fishless cycle. we don't have room for a huge tank and now not enough time till the big day and how to keep it a surprise!

slightly concerned that 30 year's ago when I was her age my brother won a goldfish at the fair and we kept it and 5 additions in a very small tank feel very bad now, but how did they all live for over 10 years!

If you buy and set up now you could be ok for Christmas, but it depends on how your cycling goes. Perhaps instead you could get her a book on keeping fish and gift voucher (Maidenhead Aquatics do these, I'm sure others do too) and take her to pick out a tank in the sales and talk to the fish store staff about what she would like to go in the tank.
Be warned, they can be hard work done right, they are great pets though, I love to relax whilst watching our fish.

Oh, I replied to your other thread. I agree with Mogz, a book or gift voucher would be a good idea.